Mary Basked In Her Domestic Obligations And Happy In Restoring The Furniture In 'Thistle House ', One Of The Area's Oldest And Consequential Homes, And She Proudly Embellished Her Home With Her Liking For Flower Arranging.

MARY O'connell, ' Thistle House'-Mount-pleasant, Dundalk who died peacefully at home on Aug 19th surrounded by her loving family was an affiliate of a well known local family who was an inspiration to many in the style that she lived her life and for the fortitude she showed in her struggle against illness over the last 3 years.

Aged 55, Mary was one of eight children of Theresa and the late Tony Donnelly who established a successful fruit distributing business, and the wife of Dan O'connell, the widely known agricultural supplier. Educated at Dulargy N.S. And Dun Lughaidh Secondary, Mary trained as a nurse in St. Vincent's Hospice in Dublin, qualifying in 1977.

She finished her midwifery in Altnagelvin Infirmary in Derry in 1979. Mary then worked for a while as a midwife in one of the country's biggest pregnancy infirmaries, the Rotunda in Dublin before moving to St. James's Hospital where she was attached to the oncology unit.

A feeling of adventure took Mary to Saudi Arabia where she worked for two years in a hospice in the capital, Jeddah. On her return from Saudi, Mary was urged to help out in one of the family firms, 'The Sportsmans ' on the Newry Road that the family then owned.

She relished the change in occupation and helped in building up the business. It was during her time in 'The Sportsmans ' that Mary met her partner, Dan and the couple married in September, 1987.

Afterward Mary's primary role was that of a mother and in helping Dan to sanction the agricultural supply business that he opened in his family's home at 'Thistle Cross'. Over time the business faced many challenges eg the intrusion of the northwards link of the MI on their business, the 'Foot and Mouth ' outbreak, as well as steady variations in the agricultural economy.but all though all of these challenges Mary's unswerving faith sustained her family.

Her love of music that was nurtured by Fr. Brendan Mcnally in the Youth Orchestra in Ravensdale, of which she used to be a member, was passed on to her children, two of whom, John and Grace played at her funeral Mass.

Mary delighted in her domestic duties and happy in restoring the furniture in 'Thistle House ', one of the area's oldest and historic homes, and she proudly embellished her home with her fondness for flower preparing. She also enjoyed her collaboration in a local book club.

Mary's strong faith which was obvious for a lot of her life was a great comfort when her sickness struck. She became more actively involved in local prayer groups, and the free handed fashion in which she devoted her energies to the concerns of others was an inspiration to many. With her husband, Dan she seemed to make a number of pilgrimages to Medjugorje, the last at Easter, and got great contentment from the time she spent there.They had a great Medjugorje accommodation.

To several, especially her loving family who are heartsick at her death, Mary's spirit will always endure, for they can feel her spirit as a constant presence in their lives.She was the torch that lit many lives but that light will never be extinguished for she used to be a remarkable woman whose inheritance will long endure.

Having reposed at home, Mary's remains were taken to St. Brigid's Church, Kilcurry where Requiem Mass was celebrated by Awfully Rev. C. Mcelwee, P.P. Faughart. Bishop Gerard Clifford presided and also attending were Very Rev. P. Murphy, P.P. Ravensdale, Rev. F. Coll, Rev. B.. Buckley, and Rev. B. Mckenna, writes tagza.com.
If you are looking for a different item here are a list of related products on Military Exchange, please check out the following: